At Moana Auckland Sustainability Expo in New Zealand, EnviroStrat Sustainability Director Cerasela Stancu presented on the opportunity for new finance tools to capture value from conservation and restoration work.
EnviroStrat has created impact ventures focused on the blue economy, including growing native New Zealand seaweed to create a sustainable supply chain, restoring areas of reef ecosystem and exploring how scallops can be grown in an aquaculture setting.
In 2022, activities that use ocean resources contributed more than $10 billion to the New Zealand economy (3.9% of GDP). However, if the sector moved to more sustainable practices, that figure could increase to $14b by 2035, according to Westpac Bank’s report A Sustainable Marine Sector.
Key to future success is capacity building, which is why EnviroStrat offers internships and mentorships with youngsters as part of its strategy.
This article ‘Teens tackle marine conservation challenges‘ which featured in the New Zealand Herald highlights work by teenage students, some of whom are working with EnviroStrat on our impact ventures.